World History Group received the following media release from Norwich University, which was not only the first private military college in the United States, it is the birthplace of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). As the birthplace of ROTC, Norwich houses all four branches of the armed services: Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force. It is also home to the annual William E. Colby Military Writers’ Symposium.

Founded by Capt. Alden Partridge in 1819 it continues to follow his philosophy that a structured military lifestyle combined with rigorous academics would benefit those pursuing careers in both the military world and the private sector. WHG is pleased to share the following information that shows NU will have the funding necessary to continue to expand upon its mission.

President announces largest gift in Norwich history
I am thrilled to announce that at the April 25, 2013, Board of Trustees dinner, COL (IL) J. N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired) committed $25 million toward the University’s upcoming bicentennial campaign.

This is by far the largest gift in our 194-year history. It will transform the University and make a significant impact on future generations of students and faculty.

Col. Pritzker served on Norwich’s Board of Trustees from 1997 to 2007. His gift is a challenge to current, former and emeriti trustees to cumulatively match the contribution.

We will publicly launch the bicentennial campaign at Homecoming 2014, and this gift positions us to be successful in meeting our fundraising goals.

“It gives me great joy to support Norwich’s upcoming fundraising campaign with this gift to ensure that it has the facilities and resources to meet every challenge as it begins its third century of service to the nation,” said Pritzker. “There is no other place like Norwich University. This gift demonstrates my dedication to the University, its mission and my faith in its leadership.”

Col. Pritzker is president of the Tawani Foundation, trustee emeritus and founder of the Pritzker Military Library in Chicago. This historic donation was made through the foundation.

We are all here at Norwich for one purpose: to educate America’s future leaders.

I am humbled by this charge and extremely grateful for Col. Pritzker’s remarkable support as we prepare to celebrate the 200th anniversary of our founding in 2019.

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